Lalitpur. The professors have been protesting demanding the autonomy of the Institute of Engineering Studies.

The Institute of Engineering Studies units of Tribhuvan University Professors’ Association (TUPA), ideological associations÷ organisations of professors and all units under the Institute of Engineering Studies held a press conference at Pulchowk in Lalitpur on Wednesday.

Prof Dr Sangita Singh said that they have been staging an indefinite agitation since June 10 demanding autonomy of Tribhuvan University against the central interference.

“We have been agitating for the last few days and it is an important demand to ensure autonomy. We insist that central interventions should be abolished and international level studies and research should be taken care of in times of globalization,” he said.

Professor Roshan Karki of the Department of Civil Engineers said that the research and development activities have been affected due to the interference of the university on the study institute established by the Government of Nepal for the production of technical manpower. “This movement is a concerted effort for the rights and reforms of the engineering institute.

In the past, the institute was allowed to operate with autonomy for the purpose of preparing skilled technical manpower, but the 2080 Senate has taken away the autonomy by taking the decision, which is objectionable,” he said.

Prof Dr Sudip Bhattarai said 54 professors have resigned from the responsibilities of departmental chiefs and deputy mayors demanding autonomy for all the five constituent campuses under Tribhuvan University. He said that there was solidarity among the ideological organizations in the program organized by the Professors’ Association.

President of The Teachers’ Association Thapathali Campus Unit Committee, Dr Srihari Thapa, said that the movement was launched for the autonomy and welfare of the institution rather than personal expectations.

The professors said that they started the movement by submitting a demand letter to the Vice-Chancellor through the chief of staff. Prof Karki said that the agitation is going on with the decision to stop all educational activities (teaching, examinations, etc.) until the demands are met.